A Busker’s Bridge to His Dreams
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A student busker and singer-songwriter Aris Ashe plays his original song "Acacia" one afternoon at SM North Edsa. From his busking earnings, he pays his own tuition fee as he dreams of being a professional psychologist (Photo by Ma. Elca Grengia)
Once a week for almost two years, he consistently performed for free in cafes, hoping to make a name for himself. However, it only led to burnout as he felt that his talent was being exploited.
“Music connects people,” he wrote on poster board when he first tried busking. More than connecting with people, he also used it as a bridge to reach his dreams.
Contrary to the notion that one must choose between passion and practicality, Aris uses his love for music to make a living and reach for his aspirations. By singing in the streets, he pays for his college tuition fee.
Aside from music, he also wants to provide mental health services in the future as a psychologist. He is a student at midnight and in the morning, and a busker in the afternoon and evening.
Music Connections
Maginhawa Street in Quezon City has been a home for passionate independent artists, including Aris. But just like many artists, he was also discouraged by the words, "there is no money in passion."
His journey began with a broken guitar left outside his neighbor's house, and with a sly attempt at fixing it with rusty tuning pegs, he became the testament to the saying "Sometimes it's the broken things that make us whole.”
He taught himself how to play guitar through YouTube videos. From performing covers in cafes, he later discovered his talent in songwriting. He aims to bring peace and solace through his original music.
But with years of performing, Aris’ relationship with music became bittersweet. What began as pure expression—playing for the sake of art—has, out of necessity, intertwined with survival.
He discovered many things on his own, from playing guitar to the sad reality of capitalizing on one’s passion. Monetizing his art wasn't the first thing he had in mind when he started out, but he needed to for the sake of his education.
(Photo by Shannia Cabuello)
Passion as Bridge For a Dream
Aris’ parents found it hard to support his education financially. On one occasion, he had to skip class because he could not afford to pay for a project. He also almost didn't pursue college before becoming a late enrolee in National University, a private school.
Determined to finish his studies, he decided to support himself financially. With his found passion in music, as well as influence from other street musicians, Aris decided to pursue busking.
Earnings from these performances directly go to Aris’ academic fund. At times he goes from gigs straight to school to pay his pending bills.
“Kapag nakita na ako ng cashier sa school, alam niyang magbibilang na kami ng barya (When the school cashier sees me he knows we will be counting loose change),” he says. But as he meets his needs financially, other facets of himself suffer.
Spending half of his day studying and the other half busking, Aris has a little to no time to rest. Between busking schedules, he does his homework or school projects. And when he needs more money, he plays for a longer time even though he’s not in the mood, or compromising his health.
Understanding Himself
(Photo by Shannia Cabuello)
Despite his struggles, Aris is eager to continue his studies to be a licensed psychologist. “Dahil sa course ko, mas naiintindihan ko ang sarili ko (My course makes me understand myself more),” he says.
Aris started advocating for mental health awareness when he was diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder. He believes this was due to spending most of his time alone, without having anyone to talk to.
In his performances, he shares his knowledge of psychology and lessons from personal experiences. He also uses his platform to share resources about mental health services, including where to find free consultations and how to access professional care. He even offers to serve as a point of contact for individuals who need support but lack someone to accompany them.
For Aris, this advocacy is not only about raising awareness, it’s also a deeply personal mission. Having once sought professional help himself, he understands the stigma and barriers that many people face when reaching out for support. This empathy drives his passion to help others navigate their struggles.
Contrary to the notion that one must choose between passion and practicality, Aris uses his love for music to make a living and reach for his aspirations.
Aris' commitment to mental health advocacy started before he became a psychology student. Now, as he pursues this degree, he sees his studies as a way to deepen his understanding and expand the impact of his efforts.
“Ginagawa ko siya dahil passionate talaga ako sa course na ’yon at sa topic na mental health (I’m really passionate about my course and mental health),” he shares. He dreams of becoming not just a voice for a few, but also a professionally equipped advocate for many.
The four authors are journalism students at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
